Projectile launched media reservoir

ABSTRACT

A projectile having a launching assembly attached thereto is provided for marking a remote location with a marking media. The marking media is preferably in the form of a paint ball or a scent ball. The launching assembly includes a media reservoir defining a cavity and a plurality of supports extending outward from the media reservoir along a longitudinal axis. The supports secure the marking media within the cavity in a press-fit connection. In one embodiment, a cap and a resilient nose cone are attached to the media reservoir, surrounding the marking media, to prevent damage to a target upon impacting the target.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. Non-ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 11/956,023 filed on Dec. 13, 2007, which isnow U.S. Pat. No.______, which claims the benefits of U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/870,525 filed on Dec. 18, 2006, U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/889,679 filed on Feb. 13,2007, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/894,707 filedon Mar. 14, 2007, the advantages and disclosure of each are herebyincorporated by reference; and is a continuation-in-part of priornon-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/470,669 filed on Sep. 7,2006, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,601,084, which claims the benefits ofU.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/727,469 filed on Oct.17, 2005, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/742,298 filedon Dec. 5, 2005, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/762,652filed on Jan. 27, 2006, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.60/771,155 filed on Feb. 27, 2006, the advantages and disclosure of eachare also hereby incorporated by reference; and is a continuation-in-partof prior non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/153,136 filed onJun. 15, 2005, which is now abandoned, that claims the benefits of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/580,618 filed on Jun. 17,2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention generally relates to an arrow, and morespecifically to an arrowhead assembly attached to the arrow for remotelydelivering a marking media to a remote location.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many millions of people around the world enjoy the sport of archery. Ofthese, over four (4) million hunters in the United States alone take tothe field each year to hunt big game, i.e., deer, elk, etc., or topractice their shooting skills by “stump shooting”, i.e., shooting attrees, fence posts, tree stumps, etc.

Those archers who enjoy stump shooting are currently restricted to usingarrowheads that are not effective in providing immediate feedbackregarding shot placement or, if the feedback is rapid, the archer isfaced with the time consuming task of trying to extract the arrowheadfrom the woodland target.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,895 (the '895 patent) discloses an arrow having amarking head for providing feedback regarding shot placement of thearrow. The arrow includes a shaft and a receiving plug attached to oneend of the shaft. An arrowhead connector is in threaded engagement withthe receiving plug, and supports a base thereon. The base is formed of ahard rubber or plastic and includes a concavity in a front end thereoffor seating a paint ball therein. An adhesive secures the paint ball tothe base. Upon the arrow impacting the surface, the paint ball ruptures,marking the target with the paint.

For those archers who enjoy the sport of bow hunter, the use of amarking media, such as a “scent”, is a common tool. The scent can be inthe form of a cover scent, e.g., skunk scent, fox urine, etc., meant tomask the scent of the hunter, or alternatively, it may be in the form ofan attractor scent, e.g., a doe-in-heat scent, etc., designed to lure abuck to a certain spot in the forest where the buck believes a doe maybe ready to mate.

Currently, the preferred method of delivering attractor scents involvesthe hunter going to a spot in the forest and “dropping” scent at thelocation. The method of dropping the scent generally takes the form ofapplying the scent to a felt pad and leaving the pad suspended from atree branch or by simply placing the pad on the ground. The riskassociated with this method of dropping the scent is that while thehunter is placing the attractor scent, by the very nature of being atthe location, the hunter is also leaving their human scent along theway. Human scent is not an attractor scent for most game species, andactually tends to repel most game species.

Alternative methods of delivering the attractor scents have beendeveloped. One such method includes incorporating a scent with an arrow,allowing the hunter to launch the arrow into the location withoutactually entering the location, thereby permitting the hunter to avoidleaving their human scent at the location where the attractor scent isapplied. This method of delivering the scent may be referred to as anairborne delivery method. An example of an arrow utilized in such anairborne delivery method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,743 (the'743 patent) to Fiorenzo, titled “Scent Head Arrow”.

Alternatively, U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,496 (the '496 patent) to Kowalkowski,titled “Scent Distributing Method For Hunters”, discloses a method ofdelivering a scent by encapsulating the scent in a plastic or gelatinwalled pellet. The pellet may be in the form of a scent ball, similar toa paint ball utilized in a compressed air gun, and delivered by an arrowas described above in the '895 patent. Upon the arrow impacting asurface, the scent ball ruptures, spreading the desired scent onto thesurface.

The arrow described in the '895 patent is capable of delivering amarking media, such as the paint ball or the scent ball, to a remotelocation. However, the marking media must be attached to the arrow by anadhesive before use, allowing sufficient time for the adhesive to dry.This is both time consuming and messy. Additionally, care must be takento protect the arrow once the marking media is attached thereto toprevent the marking media from rupturing while transporting the arrowprior to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The subject invention provides an arrow for remotely delivering amarking media to a location. The arrow comprises a shaft having a nockend and extending along a longitudinal axis to an opposing distal end. Amedia reservoir includes a base attached to the distal end of the shaft,and defines a cavity. At least one support extends outwardly from thebase of the media reservoir along the longitudinal axis. The at leastone support secures the marking media within the cavity of the mediareservoir, between the at least one support, in a press-fit connection.

Accordingly, the subject invention provides an arrow capable of securingthe marking media, such as a paint ball or a scent ball, within thecavity by simply pressing the marking media into the cavity between thesupports, and does not require the use of an adhesive. Therefore, themarking media may be secured within the cavity immediately before use,without the need to pre-assemble the arrow and the marking media with anadhesive, nor requiring sufficient time for the adhesive to dry.Additionally, since the marking media is secured immediately before use,the marking media may be stored in a protective sleeve, therebyeliminating the need to protect the assembled arrow and marking mediaduring transport prior to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an archer launching an arrow;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the arrow;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of an arrowhead assembly;

FIG. 4 is perspective view of an arrowhead connector;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a media reservoir;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the media reservoir along cut line6-6 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the media reservoir;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the media reservoir along cut line8-8 shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an energy dissipating device;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the energy dissipating device;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cap;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional side view of the cap;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional side view of a cone;

FIG. 14 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the arrowheadassembly;

FIG. 15 is an exploded side view of the alternative embodiment of thearrowhead assembly;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a pad utilized in the alternative embodimentof the arrowhead assembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of thearrowhead assembly;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an attachment device utilized in thesecond alternative embodiment of the arrowhead assembly;

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional side view of the attachment device;

FIG. 20 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the attachmentdevice on the pad shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional side view taken along cut line 21-21 shownin FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional side view of a first alternative embodimentof the media reservoir and an alternative embodiment of the energydissipating device;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the third alternative embodiment of thearrowhead assembly;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a pad carrier for the third alternativeembodiment of the arrowhead assembly;

FIG. 25 is a rear plan view of the pad carrier shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the pad carrier along cut line26-26 shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of the pad carrier along cut line27-27 shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector;

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the first alternative embodiment ofthe arrowhead connector shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an end plan view of the first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a side perspective view of a second alternative embodiment ofthe media reservoir coupled to the fist alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a frontal perspective view of the second alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a frontal plan view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe media reservoir shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a side cross sectional view of the second alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of themedia reservoir coupled to the first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 36 is a side cross sectional view of the third alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir shown in FIG. 35 before impacting asurface;

FIG. 37 is a side cross sectional view of the third alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir shown in FIG. 35 after impacting asurface;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector;

FIG. 39 is a side cross sectional view of the second alternativeembodiment of the arrowhead connector shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of themedia reservoir assembly;

FIG. 41 is a side cross sectional view of the fourth alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir assembly shown in FIG. 40 attached tothe second alternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector shown inFIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a target assembly

FIG. 43 is a frontal plan of the target assembly shown in

FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view of the target assembly along cut line44-44 shown in FIG. 43; and

FIG. 45 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of the targetassembly shown in FIG. 44.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views, a projectile, such as an arrow isgenerally shown at 20. Referring to FIG. 1, the arrow 20 remotelydelivers a marking media 22 to a location. The marking media 22 ispreferably a paint ball, such as is commonly utilized with a compressedair gun, or a scent ball, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,496to Kowalkowski, titled “Scent Distributing Method For Hunters”. Themarking media 22 typically includes a liquid, a gel, a powder, or someother similar medium encapsulated by a container, or in the case of thepaint ball or scent ball a hardened outer shell, to hold the mediumuntil ruptured and dispersed. The marking media 22 (preferably eitherthe paint ball or the scent ball) preferably includes a spherical shapehaving a diameter of 0.68 inches, i.e., a 68 caliber ball. It should beunderstood that the marking media 22 may include a diameter other thanthe preferred diameter of 0.68 inches and a shape other than thepreferred spherical shape, and still fall within the scope of theclaims.

Referring to FIG. 2, the arrow 20 includes a shaft 24 having a nock end26. The shaft 24 extends from the nock end 26 along a longitudinal axisL to an opposing distal end 28. An arrowhead assembly 30 is attached tothe distal end 28 of the shaft 24. Fletching 32 is attached to the shaft24 near the nock end 26 of the shaft 24.

Also referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the arrow 20 includes an arrowheadconnector 34 interconnecting the shaft 24 of the arrow 20 and thearrowhead assembly 30. Preferably, and as shown in the Figures, thearrowhead connector 34 includes an elongate portion 36 having a threadedend 38 for threaded insertion into a receiving plug 40 (often referredto as an arrow insert) disposed within the distal end 28 of the shaft24. A flange 42 extends radially outward from the elongate portion 36. Apeg 44 is concentric with the elongate portion 36 and extends outwardfrom the flange 42. The arrowhead connector 34 is preferablymanufactured from a durable material to withstand the impact during useand permit re-use of the arrowhead connector 34. Preferably, thearrowhead connector 34 is aluminum, or a similar metal. Additionally,when manufactured from an aluminum material, the flange 42 of thearrowhead connector 34 preferably includes a thickness t of at least onetenth of an inch, so as to not break during impact, however, thethickness t of the flange 42 may vary depending upon specific designconsiderations. It should be understood that the arrowhead connector 34may be configured otherwise than described above and shown in theFigures and still fall within the scope of the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and as best shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, thearrowhead assembly 30 further includes a media reservoir 46. The mediareservoir 46 includes a base 48 connected to the arrowhead connector 34near the distal end 28 of the shaft 24. The base 48 is supported by theflange 42 of the arrowhead connector 34. The base 48 of the mediareservoir 46 further includes a bore 50 for slideably engaging the peg44 of the arrowhead connector 34 in a push fit connection, therebyconnecting the arrowhead connector 34 and the media reservoir 46, andallowing for easy replacement of the media reservoir 46 after each use,while also permitting re-use of the arrow 20. Other mechanicalconnections may also be utilized to secure the media reservoir 46 to thearrowhead connector 34 other than specifically described herein. Theconnection between the arrowhead connector 34 and the media reservoir 46being interchangeable with other components described below forsituating the other components between the arrowhead connector 34 andthe media reservoir 46 if so desired. The media reservoir 46 defines acavity 52 for supporting the marking media 22. At least one support 54,but preferably a plurality of supports 54 extends outwardly from thebase 48 of the media reservoir 46, along the longitudinal axis L. Thesupports 54 secure the marking media 22 within the cavity 52 of themedia reservoir 46 between the supports 54 in a press-fit connection.Accordingly, the marking media 22 is pressed into the cavity 52 betweenthe supports 54, with the supports 54 holding the marking media 22 inplace. Each of the plurality of supports 54 include a lip 56 forengaging the marking media 22. The lips 56 on the supports 54 assist inretaining the marking media 22 between the supports 54.

As noted above, the marking media 22 preferably includes a sphericalbody defining a diameter of 0.68 inches. As such, the lips 56 on thesupports 54 are spaced from the base 48 a distance greater than one-halfthe diameter of the spherical body, i.e., greater than 0.34 inches. Eachof the lips 56 are disposed a distance less than the diameter of thespherical body from any other of the lips 56, i.e., less than 0.68inches. This ensures that the lips 56 extend beyond the largest portionof the marking media 22, trapping the marking media 22 between the base48 of the media reservoir 46 and the lips 56 on the support 54.Accordingly, when pressing the marking media 22 into the cavity 52, itis necessary for the supports 54 and/or the outer wall of the markingmedia 22 to flex to allow entry of the marking media 22 into the cavity52. After which, the supports 54 and/or the outer wall of the markingmedia 22 return to their respective original and natural shape. Itshould be understood that the scope of the claims is not limited to theexact dimensions of the preferred embodiment described herein.

Additionally, the supports 54 include an interior curvilinear surface 60complimentary to the spherical body of the marking media 22 to cradlethe spherical body of the marking media 22 between the curvilinearsurfaces of the supports 54. It should be understood that if the markingmedia 22 includes a shape other than spherical, the supports 54 mayinclude an interior surface complimentary thereto.

Upon the arrow 20 impacting the target, inertia drives the flange 42 ofthe arrowhead connector 34 into the base 48 of the media reservoir 46,rupturing the marking media 22 and fracturing the media reservoir 46. Inso doing, if the marking media 22 is a paint ball, the marking media 22releases paint, which splatters onto the target to indicate the shotplacement of the arrow 20. If the marking media 22 is a scent ball,scent splatters onto the target to emanate therefrom. It should beunderstood that the media reservoir 46 is destroyed by the impact andnot reusable. However, the arrow 20 and the arrowhead connector 34 maybe retrieved and reused with a new arrowhead assembly 30 and a newmarking media 22.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, and as best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a cap62 may optionally be attached to the media reservoir 46. When the cap 62is attached to the media reservoir 46, the cap 62 cooperates with themedia reservoir 46 to further define the cavity 52 between the mediareservoir 46 and the cap 62, with the marking media 22 disposed andsurrounded by the base 48 of the media reservoir 46, the supports 54,and the cap 62. The cap 62 includes a plurality of detents 64, whichextend toward the supports 54. Each of the supports 54 defines a recess66 for receiving one of the detents 64 in a snap fit connection. The cap62 includes a stud 68 extending outward along the longitudinal axis L.Also referring to FIG. 13, a nose cone 70 is attached to the cap 62 byfrictional engagement with the stud 68 on the cap 62. The nose cone 70is disposed opposite the cavity 52, and absorbs energy upon impacting asurface. The nose cone 70 includes a resilient material to bounce off orotherwise dissipate energy from the impact with the target. Accordingly,the arrow 20, when equipped with the cap 62 and the nose cone 70,permits targeting of wild game animals, without the fear of injuring ordamaging the game animal.

Referring to FIG. 3, and as best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the arrowheadassembly 30 may further include a frangible energy dissipating device72. The energy dissipating device 72 reduces an amount of energytransmitted to the shaft 24 of the arrow 20 upon impact, therebyprotecting the shaft 24 from damage and permitting re-use of the arrow20. The energy dissipating device 72 is preferably disposed between thearrowhead connector 34 and the media reservoir 46. The energydissipating device 72 includes an outer wall 58 and at least one vein 74extending inward toward the longitudinal axis L from the outer wall 58for fracturing the outer wall 58 in response to the shaft 24 advancingforward into the energy dissipating device 72. The energy dissipatingdevice 72 includes a bore 50 identical to the bore 50 defined by themedia reservoir 46 for disposition over the peg 44 on the arrowheadconnector 34, thereby interconnecting the arrowhead connector 34 and theenergy dissipating device 72 in a push fit connection. The energydissipating device 72 further includes a peg 44 identical to the peg 44on the arrowhead connector 34 for disposition within the bore 50 definedby the media reservoir 46, thereby interconnecting the energydissipating device 72 and the media reservoir 46 in a push fitconnection. Accordingly, the arrowhead assembly 30 utilizes the sametype of connection between the arrowhead connector 34 and the mediareservoir 46, as between the arrowhead connector 34 and the energydissipating device 72, as well as between the energy dissipating device72 and the media reservoir 46, thereby permitting the archer to choosewhether or not to use the energy dissipating device 72 in the arrowheadassembly 30. Upon impact, the flange 42 of the arrowhead connector 34advances forward into the energy dissipating device 72, thereby crushingthe vein 74. In so doing, a pre-determined amount of energy isdissipated from the arrow 20, thereby reducing the amount of energy theshaft 24 would otherwise have to withstand. It should be understood thatthe outer wall 58 may fracture as a result of the flange 42 crushing thevein 74.

Referring to FIGS. 14 through 17, in a first alternative embodiment, apad 76 is attached to the media reservoir 46. The pad 76 cooperates withthe media reservoir 46 to further define the cavity 52 between the mediareservoir 46 and the pad 76. Preferably, and as shown in the Figures,the pad 76 includes a central portion 78 and a plurality of wings 80extending from the central portion 78. The media reservoir 46 includes aplurality of posts 82 extending outward from the base 48 along thelongitudinal axis L. The posts 82 include an upstanding ridge 84disposed on each of the posts 82 for securing the wings 80 to the posts82.

The pad 76 includes an absorbent material, such as a felt or cottonmaterial for absorbing the marking media 22 upon impact, and also forcarrying additional marking media (in addition to the marking media 22)to the target. The additional marking media may include a liquid appliedto the pad 76, and may be similar in composition to the marking media 22are may be of a different composition than the marking media 22. Themarking media 22 in the first alternative embodiment includes a sentball, as described above. Accordingly, the scent ball is disposed withinthe cavity 52, surrounded by the base 48, the supports 54, and the pad76. The wings 80 of the pad 76 wrap around the scent ball and thesupports 54, covering a portion of the supports 54 and attaching to theposts 82 of the media reservoir 46. If additional marking media isapplied to the pad 76 prior to launching the arrow, the additionalmarking media may include a scent similar to the scent ball or mayinclude some other marking material, such as paint. It should beunderstood that the pad 76 may include other materials capable ofabsorbing the scent from the scent ball and/or carrying an additionalmarking media, and may also be shaped otherwise than specificallydescribed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 17 through 19, in a second alternative embodiment, anattachment device 86 is disposed within the cavity 52 for attaching thepad 76 to a surface. The attachment device 86 is disposed within thecavity 52 in lieu of the marking media 22. The pad 76 is attached to theposts 82 of the media reservoir 46 as described in the first alternativeembodiment. The attachment device 86 includes a spherical housing 88supported between the supports 54 in the media reservoir 46, similar tothe paint ball or the scent ball as described above. The attachmentdevice 86 defines a central bore 90 through the spherical housing 88,and includes a spike 92 having a shank 94 partially disposed within thecentral bore 90 and presenting a point 96 extending outward from thespherical housing 88. The pad 76 includes an opening 98 for passing theshank 94 of the spike 92 therethrough. Accordingly, upon impact with thetarget, the spike 92 will penetrate and stick to the target, pinchingthe pad 76 between the housing 88 of the attachment device 86 and thetarget. In the second alternative embodiment, the marking media 22includes a liquid scent applied directly to the pad 76 just prior tolaunching the arrow 20.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, an alternative embodiment of theattachment device 86 is disclosed. This alternative embodiment of theattachment device is intended for attaching the pad 76 to a fur coat ofan animal. The alternative embodiment of the attachment device 86includes an attachment sheet 87, coupled to the central portion 78 ofthe pad 76. The attachment sheet 87 includes a plurality of hooks 89,and is preferably a hook portion of a loop and hook connection, commonlysold under the trademark VELCRO, by Velcro Industries B.V. Theattachment sheet 87 may be coupled to the pad 86 by an adhesive, oralternatively may be sewn onto the pad 86. It should be understood thatthe attachment sheet 87 may be coupled to the pad by some other methodnot specifically enumerated herein. An attachment nail 91 extendsthrough the pad 76 and the attachment sheet 87. The attachment nail 91is long enough to penetrate the fur of the animal, yet short enough soas not to penetrate the flesh of the animal. The attachment sheet 87 andthe attachment nail 91 may be covered in grease, which aids in theattachment of the pad 76 to the fur coat of the animal.

Referring to FIG. 22, an alternative embodiment of the media reservoir46, along with an alternative embodiment of the energy dissipatingdevice 72 is disclosed. The alternative embodiment of the mediareservoir 46 is formed from a resilient material, such as a hard rubber,so as to not fracture upon impact. It should be understood that thealternative embodiment of the media reservoir 46 may include some othermaterial that will not fracture upon impact with the surface, therebypermitting re-use of the media reservoir 46. The support 54 includes awall 55 extending around an outer periphery of the base 48. Accordingly,the wall 55 defines the cavity 52 to be generally cup shaped, forsupporting the marking media 22 therein. The base 48 of the mediareservoir 46 is disposed about the flange 42 of the arrowhead connector34 in a push fit connection. The alternative embodiment of the energydissipating device 72 includes a first flat washer 73 disposed over theshaft 24 of the arrow 20 in a tight push fit connection so as to notslide over the shaft 24 of the arrow 20 upon impact. Alternatively, thefirst washer 73 may be otherwise rigidly attached to the shaft 24 of thearrow 20 by some other mechanically connection or adhered to the shaft24 by a chemical adhesive. A cushion 75 is disposed over the shaft 24,between the first washer 73 and the media reservoir 46. The cushion 75includes a resilient, compressible material, such as a rubber or a foam,for absorbing energy upon impact. A cable tie 79 (zip tie) secures thecushion 75 to the shaft 24. A second washer 77 is disposed over theshaft 24 between the cushion 75 and the media reservoir 46 to spread theforce exerted upon the energy dissipating device 72 evenly over thecushion 75. The alternative embodiment of the energy dissipating device72 is positioned along the shaft 24 so that the media reservoir 46 maymove along the shaft 24, compressing the cushion 75, while not allowingthe arrowhead connector 34 to contact the surface upon impact.

Referring to FIGS. 23 through 27, a third alternative embodiment of thearrowhead assembly 120 is shown. The third alternative embodiment of thearrowhead assembly 120 remotely delivers a scented pad 76 to a locationby the arrow 20. The pad 76, described above and shown in FIG. 16,carries by absorption a scent as also described above.

The third alternative embodiment of the arrowhead assembly 120 includesa pad carrier 122 and a first alternative embodiment of the arrowheadconnector 124, described in greater detail below. The first alternativeembodiment of the arrowhead connector 124 is preferably manufacturedfrom aluminum, and the pad carrier 122 is preferably manufactured from apolymer. The pad carrier 122 is coupled to the first alternativeembodiment of the arrowhead connector 124. Preferably, the pad carrier122 is over-molded onto the first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 124 to fixedly connect the pad carrier to the firstalternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 124.

The pad 76 is attached to the pad carrier 122. The pad carrier 122includes a cone section 126 for supporting the pad 76 in a semispherical orientation. The cone section 126 of the pad carrier 122flexes to absorb energy upon impact with a surface to protect the shaft24 of the arrow 20 from damage. The cone section 126 includes aplurality of veins 128 defining a plurality of void sections 130 betweenthe veins 128. The veins 128 and the void sections 130 are configured toflex, but not fracture, upon impacting a surface, yet are sufficientlystiff to support the pad 76 in the semi-spherical orientation duringflight of the arrow 20 after the arrow 20 is launched.

The third alternative embodiment of the arrowhead assembly 120 furthercomprises an attachment mechanism 132 interconnecting the pad 76 and thepad carrier 122. As described above, the pad 76 includes a centralportion 78 and a plurality of wings 80 extending from the centralportion 78. Preferably, the attachment mechanism 132 includes aplurality of posts 82 disposed on the pad carrier 122 extending outwardfrom a base 48. The posts 82 secure the wings 80 of the pad 76 to thepad carrier 122. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism 132 may includea loop and hook fastening system, commonly referred to as Velcro. Assuch, one of the loop side and the hook side is attached to one of thepad carrier 122 and the pad 76 by an adhesive, and the other of the loopside and the hook side is attached to the other of the pad carrier 122and the pad 76 respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 28-30, the first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 124 is shown. The first alternative embodiment ofthe arrowhead connector 124 is for coupling to the shaft 24 of the arrow20 as is well known. The first alternative embodiment of the arrowheadconnector 124 is configured to facilitate over-molding of variouspolymer components onto the first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 124 to fixedly connect the various components to thefirst alternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 124.

The first alternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 124 extendsalong the longitudinal axis L, and includes an elongate portion 36having a threaded end 38 for threaded insertion into a receiving plug 40of the arrow 20. A first flange 134 and a second flange 136 extendradially outward from the elongate portion 36 in spaced parallelrelationship relative to each other. Preferably, the first flange 134and the second flange 136 include a generally circular shape radiallyabout the longitudinal axis L. However, it should be appreciated thatthe first flange 134 and the second flange 136 may include a differentshape. Each of the first flange 134 and the second flange 136 include aplurality of locking edges 138. As shown, each of the first flange 134and the second flange 136 include four locking edges 138 equally spacedfrom each other about the longitudinal axis L, i.e., spacedapproximately ninety degrees from each other about the longitudinal axisL. The locking edges 138 engage the various components that areover-molded onto the first alternative embodiment of the arrowheadconnector 124 to prevent rotation of the various components about thelongitudinal axis L relative to the first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 124. It should be appreciated that the firstalternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 124 may be configureddifferently to accept an over-molded component and prevent rotation ofthe component relative to the first alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 124.

Referring to FIGS. 31 through 34, a second alternative embodiment of themedia reservoir 140 is shown. The second alternative embodiment of themedia reservoir 140 is fixedly connected to the first alternativeembodiment of the arrowhead connector 124, i.e., the second alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir 140 is over-molded onto the firstalternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 124.

The second alternative embodiment of the media reservoir 140 includes abase 48, with a wall 55 extending outwardly from the base 48 around aperiphery of the base 48 along the longitudinal axis L. The wall 55defines a spherical cup shaped cavity 52 for securing the marking media22 within the cavity 52 in a press-fit connection, i.e., the wall 55biases against the spherical shaped marking media 22 to hold the markingmedia 22 within the cup shaped cavity 52.

As best shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the wall 55 of the second alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir 140 includes at least one groove 142extending substantially along the longitudinal axis L from the base 48to a distal end of the wall 55, near an outer edge of the wall 55.Because there is a tight fit between the wall 55 of the secondalternative embodiment of the media reservoir 140 and the marking media22, the groove 142 permits air to escape the cavity 52 as the markingmedia 22 is loaded into the cavity 52. The groove 142 therefore ensuresa proper fit of the marking media 22 within the cavity 52 without anytrapped air pockets between the base 48 and the marking media 22. Asshown, the second alternative embodiment of the media reservoir 140includes two grooves 142, with each of the grooves 142 including asemi-circular shape. However, it should be appreciated that the numberand configuration of the grooves 142 may be different than shown ordescribed herein.

An elastic sleeve 144 is disposed around an exterior surface of the wall55, near the distal end of the wall 55, to bias the wall 55 inward totighten and secure the press-fit connection between the cavity 52 andthe marking media 22. Accordingly, the wall 55 defines an annulardepression 146 for positioning the sleeve 144 therein. The sleeve 144may include a rubber o-ring or some other similar device suitable sizedto snugly fit the outer surface of the wall 55. The sleeve 144 alsopermits repeated use of the second alternative embodiment of the mediareservoir 140 in the event the wall 55 suffers a tear during continueduse, i.e., the sleeve 144 continues to ensure the press-fit connectionbetween the wall 55 and the marking media 22 even if the wall 55 istorn.

The second alternative embodiment of the media reservoir 140 includes aresilient material. The resilient material is preferably a rubber, butmay comprise some other suitable material. The resilient materialprovides some energy absorption capabilities to the arrowhead assembly30 to help protect the arrowhead assembly 30 and the shaft 24 of thearrow 20 from damage upon impact with a surface. The second alternativeembodiment of the media reservoir 140 is ideal for use against hardsurfaced objects. Accordingly, the resilient material may include arubber having a ninety (90) Shore A durometer. However, it should beappreciated that the resilient material may include other types ofmaterials, such as a three component urethane having a ninety (90) ShoreA durometer. It should also be appreciated that the hardness may also beother than the ninety (90) Shore A durometer described above and stillfall within the scope of the subject invention.

Referring to FIGS. 35-37, a third alternative embodiment of the mediareservoir 148 is shown. The third alternative embodiment of the mediareservoir 148 includes a tapered central section 150 disposed betweenthe base 48 and the distal end of the wall 55. The central section 150is configured to allow the wall 55 to fold backward over the base 48upon impacting a surface. The third alternative embodiment of the mediareservoir 148 is ideal for use on softer objects, such as game animalsthat the archer does not wish to harm, but merely mark, and is alsoideally suited for youth arrows having inserts and shot from bows havinga draw weight of forty pounds (40 lbs) or less. Having the wall 55 foldback over the base 48 permits the marking media 22 to be dispersed overa larger area, thereby permitting easier visual recognition of themarked object.

The third alternative embodiment of the media reservoir 148 includes aresilient material. The resilient material is preferably a rubber, butmay comprise some other suitable material. The resilient materialprovides some energy absorption capabilities to the arrowhead assembly30 to help protect the arrowhead assembly 30 and the shaft 24 of thearrow 20 from damage upon impact with a surface. The resilient materialmay include a rubber having an eighty (80) Shore A durometer. However,it should be appreciated that the resilient material may include othertypes of materials, such as a three component urethane having a eighty(80) Shore A durometer. It should also be appreciated that the hardnessmay also be other than the eighty (80) Shore A durometer described aboveand still fall within the scope of the subject invention.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, a second alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 152 is shown. The second alternative embodiment ofthe arrowhead connector 152 comprises and is manufactured from aluminum.The second alternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 152 definesa pocket 154 for slideably receiving a pointed end of the arrow therein.Accordingly, the second alternative embodiment of the arrowheadconnector 152 is ideally suitable for use with a youth arrow, which aretypically outfitted only with a generally pointed tip and do not includethe receiving plug 40 (arrow insert) as do the arrows intended for suein bows having a draw weight greater than forty pounds (40 lbs).However, it should be appreciated that the second alternative embodimentof the arrowhead connector 152 may be utilized with an arrow 20 havingthe receiving plug 40. The second alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 152 is manufactured from aluminum to prevent thepointed tip of the youth arrow 20 from driving through the arrowheadassembly 30 upon impacting a surface.

The second alternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 152includes a barrel portion 156 and a collar portion 158, with the collarportion 158 having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the barrelportion 156. A collar flange 160 extends radially outward from thecollar portion 158, and includes a plurality of locking edges 138. Asshown, the locking edges 138 include four apertures arranged radiallyabout the longitudinal axis and equally spaced from each other. Itshould be appreciated that the number and configuration of the lockingedges 138 may vary from that shown and described herein. As describedabove, the locking edges 138 prevent rotation of various componentsover-molded onto the second alternative embodiment of the arrowheadconnector 152 relative to the second alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 152.

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, a fourth alternative embodiment of themedia reservoir 162 is shown. The fourth alternative embodiment of themedia reservoir 162 is ideally suited for use with the secondalternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 152 shown in FIGS. 38and 39 and described above.

Preferably, the fourth alternative embodiment of the media reservoir 162is over-molded onto the second alternative embodiment of the arrowheadconnector 152 to fixedly connect the fourth alternative embodiment ofthe media reservoir 162 to the second alternative embodiment of thearrowhead connector 152. The fourth alternative embodiment of the mediareservoir 162 defines an interior chamber 164 with the secondalternative embodiment of the arrowhead connector 152 disposed withinthe interior chamber 164. The pointed tip of the youth arrow 20 isinserted into the interior chamber 164 and the second alternativeembodiment of the arrowhead connector 152 therein. The fourthalternative embodiment of the media reservoir 162 includes a firstannular depression 146 a near the distal end of the wall 55 and a secondannular depression 146 b near the interior chamber 164. An elasticsleeve 144 is disposed within the first annular depression 146 a aroundthe exterior of the wall 55 to bias the wall 55 inward to tighten thepress-fit connection between the cavity 52 and the marking media 22. Atie strap 170 is disposed within the second annular depression 146 b andfixedly secures the fourth alternative embodiment of the media reservoir162 to the shaft 24 of the youth arrow 20.

Referring to FIGS. 42 through 45, an archery target 172 is shown. Thetarget 172 is for an arrow 20 having an arrowhead assembly 30 attachedthereto containing a marking media 22 therein, such as described above.The target 172 comprises a plate 174 comprising an impact resistantmaterial. The plate 174 includes a first surface 176 and an oppositesecond surface 178. The plate 174 may include any hardened materialcapable of preventing a launched arrow 20 from passing through the plate174, including wood, metal, or plastic. Preferably, the plate 174includes a polymer. More preferably, the polymer includes polypropylenehaving a thickness of 0.050 inches. The 0.050 inch thick polypropyleneplate 174 provides the sufficient impact resistance to prevent puncturewhile also permitting the plate 174 to be bent around a support (notshown), such as a tree. Bending the plate 174 around the supportprovides uniform stability to the target 172 and improves impactdynamics across the entire area of the target 172.

A padding layer 180 is attached to the first surface 176 of the plate174. The padding layer 180 may be attached by any suitable methodincluding fasteners, staples, or preferably an adhesive. Preferably, thepadding layer 180 includes an absorbent material. More preferably, theabsorbent material includes a cotton fabric such as a cotton duck. Itshould be appreciated that other materials may also be utilized for thepadding layer 180.

An overlay 182 is attached to the plate 174, adjacent the padding layer180, and sandwiches the padding layer 180 between the overlay 182 andthe first surface 176 of the plate 174. The overlay 182 includes indicia184 thereon. The indicia 184 may represent a simple circular targethaving varying gradations and distance markings, or the indicia 184 mayrepresent some other target, such as a game animal. The overlay 182includes a film, with the indicia 184 printed on the film. Preferably,the film includes vinyl, however it should be appreciated that the filmmay include some other material capable of having the indicia 184printed thereon and suitable for use with the marking media 22, i.e.,permitting easy removal of the marking media 22 after the arrow 20contacts the target 172.

The plate 174, the padding layer 180 and the overlay 182 cooperate todefine an outer perimeter 186 and at least one aperture 188 near theouter perimeter 186. The aperture 188 facilitates connection of thetarget 172 to a support, such as a tree, hay bale or some other suitablesupport. The target 172 includes a grommet 190 disposed within the atleast one aperture 188. Preferably, the target 172 includes at least oneear 192 extending outwardly from the outer perimeter 186 with the atleast one aperture 188 disposed within the at least one ear 192. Asshown the target 172 includes two ears 192 radially opposing each otheron opposite sides of the target 172.

The target 172 may further comprise a cushion 194 disposed against thesecond surface 178 of the plate 174 for absorbing energy transmitted tothe plate 174 from the arrow 20. The cushion 194 is especially suitedfor use with today's high-powered bows. Preferably, the cushion 194includes a foam material. However, it should be understood that thecushion 194 may include some other material suitable for absorbingenergy when the target 172 is impacted by the arrow 20. The cushion 194may be attached to the plate 174 by fasteners 196 as shown in FIGS. 42and 44, or may be attached by other methods such as an adhesive.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with therelevant legal standards; thus, the description is exemplary rather thanlimiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosedembodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art and do comewithin the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of legalprotection afforded this invention can only be determined by studyingthe following claims.

1.-33. (canceled)
 34. A launching assembly for remotely delivering afrangible marking media having a spherical body defining a diameter to alocation by a projectile, said assembly comprising: a connectorextending along a longitudinal axis for coupling to the projectile; amedia reservoir coupled to said connector and including a base; and acontinuous circumferential wall extending outwardly from said base ofsaid media reservoir around a periphery of said base along alongitudinal axis and defining a spherical cup shaped cavity having anouter edge defining a diameter perpendicular to said longitudinal axisless than the diameter of the marking media and spaced from said base adistance greater than one half the diameter of the marking media tosecure the marking media within said cavity in a press-fit connection.35. An assembly as set forth in claim 34 wherein said wall includes atleast one groove extending substantially along said longitudinal axisfrom said base to a distal end of said wall.
 36. An assembly as setforth in claim 35 further comprising an elastic sleeve disposed aroundan exterior of said wall to bias said wall inward to tighten saidpress-fit connection between said cavity and the marking media.
 37. Anassembly as set forth in claim 36 wherein said wall defines an annulardepression for positioning said sleeve therein.
 38. An assembly as setforth in claim 36 wherein said connector and said media reservoir arefixedly connected together.
 39. An assembly as set forth in claim 38wherein said connector includes a first flange and a second flangespaced from said first flange along said longitudinal axis and said boreof said media reservoir defines a first annular groove and a secondannular groove with said first flange disposed within said first annulargroove and said second flange disposed within said second annulargroove.
 40. An assembly as set forth in claim 38 wherein said mediareservoir includes a resilient material.
 41. An assembly as set forth inclaim 40 wherein said resilient material includes a urethane materialhaving a durometer equal to eighty (80) Shore A.
 42. An assembly as setforth in claim 40 wherein said resilient material includes a urethanematerial having a durometer equal to ninety (90) Shore A.
 43. Anassembly as set forth in claim 35 wherein said media reservoir includesa tapered central section allowing said wall to fold backward over saidbase upon impacting a surface.
 44. An assembly as set forth in claim 35wherein said media reservoir defines an interior chamber with saidconnector disposed within said interior chamber.
 45. An assembly as setforth in claim 44 wherein said connector comprises aluminum.
 46. Anassembly as set forth in claim 45 wherein said connector defines apocket for slideably receiving a pointed end of the projectile therein.47. An assembly as set forth in claim 46 further comprising a tie strapfor fixedly securing said media reservoir to the projectile.
 48. Anassembly as set forth in claim 47 further comprising an elastic sleevedisposed around an exterior of said wall to bias said wall inward totighten said press-fit connection between said cavity and the markingmedia.